Pool Shut Down After Constant Vandalism

Source: Photo: Britta Pedersen/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa (Photo by Britta Pedersen/picture alliance via Getty Images

MUNCIE — Tuhey Pool had to close earlier than anticipated owing to continuous vandalism and break-ins in the previous weeks, right before Labor Day weekend.

“It’s super frustrating. Everybody looks forward to Labor Day weekend and wrapping up summer everybody wants to be able to use the pool,” said Amber Greene, the director of communications for the City of Muncie. “The reaction from the public has been about the same, ‘This is frustrating, why is this happening, this is why we can’t have nice things.'”

The pool’s office, check-in area, and concession stand were all targeted, resulting in almost $3,000 in damages. Vandals stole cash, gadgets, food, and even equipment, such as a soda machine.

“Computers, electronics, monitors, (soda) pop machine, any of the electronics that go along with the pop machine, concessions equipment, food was stolen and cash was taken as well,” Greene said.

Visitors who arrived at the pool were taken off surprise by the closure.

“It’s a shame that people have to destroy stuff that affects other people, this pool would have been packed. This parking lot would have been packed,” Todd Swackhamer said.

Police are investigating, and city officials are reviewing surveillance footage to identify the suspects.

“I hope they find them and they pay for their crimes,” Swackhamer said.

Regarding the pool’s future, city authorities stated that safety and preventing this from happening again will be a primary focus.

“The silver lining we have here is we do have almost nine months to prepare for next season so I am sure there will be discussions and collaborations between the parks and the city and the YMCA to make sure that opening next year goes off without a hitch,” Greene said.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should reach out to police.

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